Puanga Matariki Festival 2025 is here!
Published on 28 May 2025
From 27 May to 24 June 2025, everyone in the District has a chance to celebrate Puanga Matariki, the Māori New Year, at dozens of events, many free.
Puanga Matariki Festival
Our Venues and Events team coordinated its first Matariki Festival in 2015, seven years before the official national Matariki public holiday was created in 2022.
The festival has since been renamed the Puanga Matariki Festival, reflecting the importance of the star Puanga, which marks the season in Te Tai Tokerau.
When the star Puanga appears in the eastern sky before dawn, it heralds the end of the harvest season, and the beginning of the new year in the colder winter season.
Puanga is also the theme of the public holiday nationwide this year, honouring the star's role in the season in many parts of Aotearoa.
Mayor Vince Cocurullo says Puanga Matariki is a time for reflection, remembrance and celebration, an opportunity to learn about and appreciate cultures.
"We have an incredible lineup of events across the District this year – exhibitions and performances, plantings and conservation projects to name just a few.
"I encourage everyone to take part. There are events in Hikurangi, Bream Bay, the city centre and out at our Northern coast.
"Every Thursday, Whangārei Central Library will be hosting a range of events, from Mana Wāhine talks, Reo Cafe and the ever-popular Night Library and Cafe. Spend Saturdays at Hihiaua Cultural Centre for storytelling, kite making and more.
"Many events are whānau-friendly and free to attend, so make sure you come to join us in celebrating Puanga Matariki 2025. I'll see you there!" he says.
Magical images captured during Puanga Matariki Festival 2024